In November 2024, Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) faced a series of severe challenges that led to extensive blackouts, difficulties in restoring power, and heightened social unrest. The already unstable SEN was further compromised by Hurricane Rafael, which inflicted serious damage on the country's energy infrastructure, causing multiple total system shutdowns.
Energy System Collapse
Starting November 7, Hurricane Rafael triggered a complete disconnection of the National Electric System, impacting the entire island. Authorities attempted to mitigate the situation by creating regional electric subsystems to partially restore power in provinces like Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Holguín. However, the western region, including Havana, faced a sluggish recovery due to significant damage to critical infrastructure such as transmission towers.
Partial Recovery and Technical Challenges
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant resumed operations, albeit with limited capacity due to gas leaks. Other plants, such as Felton and Renté, also struggled to stabilize. These operational constraints, combined with fuel shortages and aging facilities, left vast areas without electricity for days, intensifying public dissatisfaction, as reported by the Electric Union.
Impact on Essential Services
The energy crisis had a ripple effect on other vital sectors. ETECSA, the state telecommunications company, reported significant disruptions with over 1,400 cell towers out of service and 90,000 landline subscribers impacted. These issues exacerbated the technological disconnect and hindered communication during critical times.
Civil Protests and Government Response
Public frustration translated into notable protests across various regions. In Encrucijada, Villa Clara, residents banged pots and gathered outside government offices. In Havana, neighborhoods like Nuevo Vedado witnessed loud demonstrations after nearly 60 hours without power. The regime's response included arbitrary detentions, particularly in Villa Clara, where at least eight protestors were arrested. In Santiago de Cuba, authorities attempted to deflect discontent by organizing cultural and sports events in affected neighborhoods, as reported by CiberCuba.
Monthly Analysis and Energy Demand
Throughout November 2024, Cuba's SEN experienced severe real disruptions ranging from 1,047 MW to 1,768 MW, with a significant peak on November 6 at 1,768 MW. This dire situation stemmed from plant failures, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages. The crisis worsened notably between November 7 and 11 due to Hurricane Rafael's impact and the ensuing electrical collapse, which affected the entire island and necessitated the creation of regional electric subsystems.
The prolonged energy crisis led to blackouts lasting over 48 hours, impacting thousands of families across the island. For instance, on November 15, service interruptions peaked at 1,385 MW during the night, affecting provinces from Mayabeque to Guantánamo. By November 27, 2,628 blackouts were reported nationwide, with Havana experiencing 803 incidents, followed by Matanzas with 265 and Sancti Spíritus with 247.
This situation prompted the Cuban government to implement a "special contingency electrical regime" that involves planned and sustained blackouts for over 72 hours if the SEN fails to meet the country's electricity demand. In the closing days of November, real disruptions remained between 1,278 MW and 1,660 MW, with ongoing forecasts of significant disruptions for the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Energy Crisis and Hurricane Rafael Impact
What caused the widespread blackouts in Cuba during November 2024?
The blackouts were primarily caused by the severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Rafael on Cuba's energy infrastructure, leading to multiple total system shutdowns. Additional factors included plant failures, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages.
How did the Cuban government respond to the energy crisis?
The government responded by creating regional electric subsystems to partially restore power in certain provinces and implementing a "special contingency electrical regime" involving planned blackouts if demand could not be met. Arbitrary detentions were also reported as a response to public protests.
What sectors were most affected by the energy crisis?
Aside from residential areas, the telecommunications sector was heavily impacted, with significant service disruptions reported by ETECSA, affecting over 1,400 cell towers and 90,000 landline subscribers.